Summer BBQ safety

#AskTaniaFleming

Outdoor grilling is popular year round in Canada, but the warm summer months offer ideal conditions for firing up the barbecue. There is nothing better than to invite your friends and relatives over to spend the day with food prepared on your BBQ. Cooking devices, including your backyard grill, account for more residential fire injuries than any other source. Taking a few precautions before the cooking begins can help to ensure the safety of you and your guests.

Before lighting the grill

Even if you used your BBQ during the winter, take a few minutes to check the hoses and burners to make certain they are not clogged. If your grill was stored in the garage, spiders are known to get into the tubing at the burners and build webs that can prevent gas from getting through. Use a pipe cleaner to clear the tubes if you notice any material in them that might create an obstruction.

Check the propane tank, hose and valves for leaks. The most effective way to do this is to create a solution of a few drops of dish detergent and mixed with water in a spray bottle. Spray the soapy solution on the seams of the tank, the value and any hoses and turn on the gas at the tank. Bubbles will reveal the location of any leaks. Turn off the gas and replace any hoses that were leaking or that appear to be cracked or worn.

Leaking tanks or tanks with rust or corrosion should be replaced. If you are uncertain about the safety of the propane tank, take it to the dealer where you usually have it refilled and they can assist you.

Finish up by giving the cooking area a thorough cleaning to remove grease buildup. While you are at it, empty or replace the small pan that collects excess oils and grease to prevent it from flaring up and causing a fire. You should also replace any worn cleaning equipment. Wire brushes used by some people to clean the grills of a barbecue could wear out and leave metal bristles that can be transferred to the food.

Where to set up your BBQ

Find a location to set up your barbecue that is away from any structures, overhangs, fencing or other materials that could ignite or melt from the heat. Make certain the grill is on a level and stable surface. If your BBQ is set up on the grass or on dirt, check to ensure it will not sink into the ground and become unstable and tip over. You can use large patio blocks to help stabilize the unit.

Barbecues are intended for outdoor use in a well-ventilated area. You might be tempted to move it into the garage if it begins to rain before the cooking is completed, but you should resist the temptation. It is better to get wet while cooking than to set fire to your garage or release dangerous gases into your garage and home. If you live in an apartment, check the local fire code before using a BBQ on balconies or other locations.

Ontario personal injury lawyers can help

The personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully handling claims for compensation for individuals suffering injuries due to the negligence of other parties. If you have been injured at a barbecue, you could have a claim against the owner of the property or against the manufacturer of the item that caused your injuries. Call the Diamond and Diamond 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit their website to speak to someone now. They offer free consultations and case evaluations to injury victims throughout Ontario.